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Thanks for stopping by my fire. We had a campfire last night and I made Paella. About fifteen people joined us to say goodbye to a few new friends as they headed home. The fire is a place of good food, good conversation, and good friends. I'm glad you're here to meet my fellow Wild Rose Press author. Say hi Jan, while I grab us a couple of beverages and tell our readers Who you are other than your bio? I am a widow. My husband passed away almost thirteen years ago, and I had to discover who Jan Sikes was and find ways to completely reinvent myself without him. It’s an ongoing challenge, but I love the life I’ve created. I'm so sorry for your loss. My sister is also a young widow. What I know about her situation gives me insight into reinventing and challenging. Good for you and I'm so happy you're finding you place. What interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have? I am an avid music lover! I volunteer at music festivals around Texas and have done so for the past 12 years. I enjoy promoting indie music artists on social media and on my blog. In the recent past, I wrote features for a music magazine and loved interviewing the artists. Wandering through a shop not long ago I found a sign ~Music is what feeling sound like~. I know I count on my support system. Who is your network or support system? Most definitely the Story Empire group. We have a total of eleven members, counting me, and everyone is so super supportive and happy to jump in with all kinds of help when needed. We also have an active blog that is filled with great writing and marketing information. I'm meeting with a group of authors now via Zoom who help share my good stuff or let me cry on there shoulders. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration? I have been reading my entire life. I can remember my excitement when I could finally decipher words on my own. I devoured books. So, this is a hard question, but one of my biggest inspirations is my older sister, Linda Broday. She is a USA Today best-selling author and has been not only a mentor but a great inspiration to me. Wow! That's amazing, good for you and her. Do you have any fun or outrageous talent? The most outrageous talent I have is reading Tarot Cards and Runes. It is something I’ve studied for years and love doing it. I’m not sure that counts as a talent because it was something I had to learn. Is fame and fortune in my future? No, don't answer that. Instead, what is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special? When my husband passed away, I left the small town we’d lived in for twenty-five years and moved to the huge metropolis that encompasses Dallas. It’s where my children and grandchildren are. I live in a 55+ apartment complex, and my favorite place to visit locally is a restaurant and bar called Love & War. Not only do they have great food, but always have incredible live entertainment from music artists I love to follow. If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be, and who would play you? My biggest dream is that my first book (which is a true story) be made into a movie. I often thought I’d like Meryl Streep to play my part, but she is too old to play a nineteen-year-old, so maybe Maya Hawke. I had the opportunity to put the book “Flowers and Stone” in Kevin Costner’s hands, so I keep the dream and hope alive that someday it will be a movie. Do you have a particular object like a piece of jewelry or a keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you? I have a silver cross necklace that my late husband made. He always told me it held magic, and I wear it almost all the time. It helps me feel closer to him. What is your favorite mug or teacup? I have three grandsons and two granddaughters. The boys all call me “Gran” and the girls call me “MiMi.” So, a couple of years ago, my daughter bought me a coffee cup that says, “I’m a MiMi. What’s your superpower?” I love that cup and drink my coffee from it every morning. Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author. My favorite childhood book was Grimm’s Book of Fairy Tales. I checked it out of the elementary school library so many times that they had to create a new card. I think it was the idea of magic and happily-ever-afters that I loved the most. I still do. If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be? The Dance by Garth Brooks. It is such a deep, meaningful song and always reminds me that even though the pain of losing my husband is something I will never fully recover from, I wouldn’t have missed the dance for anything in the world. ~I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss the dance. It's such a profound lyric. Here's the link to the video www.facebook.com/mortyfinkle/videos/58703133871 Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with? The most interesting person I’ve met and talked with is Willie Nelson. Back in the sixties, my husband’s band backed Willie on a tour through Texas. So when we had the opportunity to see Willie again in 2004, it was such a fun reunion. What a gracious human! Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? Yes, I read book reviews. I find them invaluable for improving my writing and am always open to constructive criticism. There is no way to “deal” with bad reviews. You just take them with a grain of salt and move on. If there is something I can do better, I always make that my goal. Jan, thank you for spending time Around The Fire with me. Before you head out will you share a bit about your newest book and were our readers can find you? Jagged Feathers by Jan Sikes Caught in the crosshairs of ruthless killers an ex-soldier and a psychic race to stay alive. Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master’s scars. If only the white rune’s magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann. On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann’s cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed. A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks. Will these two not only survive, but find an unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both? Get your copy linktr.ee/Rijanjks A Lovely Review about Jan's BookThoughts: Wow. One of the top books I’ve read in a while. I’d give it more sparklers if I could. The author had me from page one and didn’t let me go until the end. She starts off hard and fast, then things kind of work out and the book goes into a “safe” lull, which is where most romantic suspense stories would end. But no. She doesn’t let you rest as the danger ramps up again before our hero and heroine are really safe and have a satisfying ending that leaves you happy for them. I loved all the Native American imagery and symbolism in the story. The blue feathers, the blue jay, the dream catcher…all of it added to the story. Even the paranormal aspects added a layer that helped set the stage for the plot. Nakina is a woman in trouble. Vann is a wounded veteran with PTSD and a missing leg who wants nothing more than peace and solitude. But when he finds Nakina, sick and terrified of the men chasing her, what can he do but help? He takes her in, nurses her back to health, and then helps her with the “problem” she has – one that killed her boss and may end up with her dead too. They enlist the help of neighbors and friends and the DEA gets involved. Vann also finds out that Nakina has visions, but she can’t control them and doesn’t know if they’re from the past, present, or future. They learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets and discover love in the process. I loved the dog Champion. And the “messages” from Nakina’s grandmother that keep popping up. One thing I hope is that Colt, the neighbor, gets his own story. I can’t wait for that one! To Find Out More About Jan Follow Her On Social Media WEBSITE BLOG BOOKBUB AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL 4/5/2022 03:40:04 am
Wow! you have a sister who is also an award winning writer!! Talent runs rampant in your family, my dear! Now, if your daughter and granddaughters write, well....mind blown!!!! Great interview
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 08:28:09 am
Thank you for your comment, Peggy. I am so blessed to have a sister to hold my hand through the crazy world of writing. Neither of my daughters show any interest in writing but my ten-year-old granddaughter is always writing stories and drawing her own covers. I see a lot of talent in her and always encourage her. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing today!
Wow, what a fabulous interview! I really enjoyed this, ladies. Jan is a good friend, but I learned even more about her through this Q&A.
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 08:29:31 am
Thank you, Mae, for your wonderful comment. It's always fun to learn more about each other and these interviews are a great way to do it. I think "The Dance" is truly one of the most poignant songs ever written and glad you like it too. And thank you for adding your recommendation for Jagged Feathers! Hugs!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 08:30:00 am
Thank you, Joan, for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate your support SO very much!!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 08:30:47 am
Thank you, Donna, for having me as your guest around the campfire today! I truly appreciate your generosity. You are welcome at my place anytime! 4/5/2022 08:50:42 am
What a fabulous interview, ladies. Jan, it was so much fun getting to know more about you. Donna, thank you for hosting.
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 09:11:35 am
Thank you, Staci. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. They are so much fun! And thank you for sharing!
CS Boyack
4/5/2022 09:02:43 am
Wonderful interview. Loved learning more about Jan.
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 09:11:53 am
Thank you, Craig! I appreciate your support!
Jennifer Wilck
4/5/2022 09:10:53 am
Love this interview! Great getting to know you better. Good luck with your books!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 09:12:14 am
Thank you, Jennifer! I'm happy you stopped by and thanks for sharing! 4/5/2022 09:21:36 am
A wonderful interview! Lovely getting to know you better, Jan. Wishing you all the best!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 09:50:44 am
Thank you, Judith! I appreciate you stopping by to leave a comment and share!
Terry Segan
4/5/2022 10:08:28 am
Great interview, Jan! It takes courage and the support of those around you to begin a new chapter in life. Sounds like you’ve got both and have done beautifully. Best of luck!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 10:41:30 am
Thank you, Terry. I think when we are given no choices, we can do anything we have to and that's what I did. I was very fortunate to have a great support system, still do. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment!
Barb Bettis
4/5/2022 10:38:14 am
Loved your interview and getting to know you better! What an interesting life. Great resource for compelling stories!! Wishing you all the best, Jan.
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 10:41:59 am
Thank you so much, Barb. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview and appreciate you leaving a comment! 4/5/2022 11:54:25 am
Wonderful interview and review! Congrats to Jan. Thanks for sharing, DV 💕🙂
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 12:18:41 pm
Thank you, Harmony! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
D.V.
4/5/2022 02:31:56 pm
I've been in my writing lair today. Thanks, Jan, for being such a fun and engaging guest. Thank you, everyone, for stopping by and for your kind words.
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 03:06:04 pm
What a wonderful place to be, Donna. Thank you for being such a gracious hostess! 4/5/2022 04:17:23 pm
Wow, Jan we have so many things in common!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 10:36:03 pm
Hi, Pam! I am so sorry you lost your husband too. We do have a lot in common. Are you also an author? I'd love to know about your work. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today! It's great to meet you!
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 10:37:46 pm
Hi,Tena. Thank you for stopping by. I am so glad you enjoyed the post. It is fun getting to know each other through interviews. 4/5/2022 08:30:25 pm
What a fantastic interview with Jan Sikes. I am a big fan of Jan's work. Thank you for sharing this conversation, DV. And I also love the deepness of "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. Such a beautiful and meaningful song.
Jan Sikes
4/5/2022 10:43:06 pm
I am so glad you enjoyed the interview, Beem. I appreciate the kind words. Thank you for stopping by.
Jan Sikes
4/6/2022 12:15:12 pm
Thank you IIlona! Comments are closed.
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Your Host D.V. StoneAward winning multi-genre author and blogger. Fantasy, romance, mid-grade. Nothing better than a campfire, book, and glass of wine. Okay maybe there is.📚 Follow Me!
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